Scientific Director, Lead Generation Biology

About the Role

Responsible for lead generation biology platforms that support Neurocrine’s early research portfolio. Oversees key capabilities including broad assay development, routine cellular and biochemical pharmacology assays for SAR, SPR and other biophysical and binding approaches, and fit‑for‑purpose screening workflows across broad therapeutic areas, target classes and drug modalities. Leads a laboratory organization focused on delivering robust, high‑quality pharmacology data through scalable, reproducible, and well‑characterized experimental workflows.

Partners closely with therapeutic areas, protein engineering, chemistry, and other cross‑functional R&D teams to align assay strategy, execution, and data generation with the needs of discovery programs.

• Leads discovery biology platform capabilities that support Neurocrine’s early research portfolio, including assay development, routine cellular and biochemical SAR assays, SPR and other biophysical approaches, and fit‑for‑purpose screening workflows
• Oversees the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of robust assay systems to generate high‑quality, reproducible pharmacology data across multiple target classes and therapeutic modalities
• Has a proven scientific‑track record in the pathophysiology underlying immunology, neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and/or endocrine disorders
• Partners closely with therapeutic areas, protein engineering, chemistry, translational science, DMPK, and other cross‑functional R&D teams to align assay strategies, experimental workflows, and data generation with discovery program needs
• Leads and manages a laboratory organization responsible for timely execution of discovery assays, data quality, platform performance, and continuous improvement of experimental capabilities
• Evaluates, implements, and advances new technologies, assay formats, instrumentation, and workflow improvements that enhance the quality, efficiency, scalability, and impact of discovery biology platforms
• Mentors, develops, and trains scientists and technical staff with expertise in assay development, cellular and biochemical pharmacology, biophysics, screening technologies, data interpretation, and related discovery biology disciplines
• Contributes scientific expertise to cross‑functional project teams by providing guidance on assay feasibility, pharmacology data generation, screening cascade design, and interpretation of discovery biology results
• Establishes and manages external collaborations with contract research organizations, technology providers, and academic or industry partners to supplement internal capabilities and support discovery program objectives
• Possesses an in‑depth understanding of the competitive drug development environment
• Represents discovery biology platforms in internal forums, project team discussions, external scientific meetings, and other venues as appropriate
• Continuously builds scientific and technical expertise through engagement with emerging technologies, external scientific advances, conferences, publications, and professional networks
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences preferably related to behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology or biopsychology and 12+ years of pharmaceutical/biotech experience; with a strong research background in neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, and/or biochemistry
• Master's degree in biological sciences preferably related to behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology or biopsychology and 10+ years of related experience
• PharmD or PhD and 8+ years of related experience
• Maintains deep knowledge of state‑of‑the‑art discovery biology, assay development, pharmacology screening, SAR‑supporting assay cascades, biophysical methods, and platform technologies relevant to early drug discovery
• Applies scientific and technical expertise to guide the development, optimization, validation, and execution of robust cellular, biochemical, and biophysical assays across multiple target classes and therapeutic modalities
• Requires in‑depth knowledge of discovery biology operations, assay strategy, data quality expectations,…